Stop restricting student freedom

Published 1:00 am, Friday, June 4, 2010

A rule against a student wearing rosary beads around his or her neck, as did a Schenectady middle school student who was suspended, doesn't protect our children. This doesn't need regulation.

Schools in general are so uptight about what children wear to school and try to hide their anxiety (fear of school boards, parent organizations, etc.) that they distrust and restrict student freedom of expression.

As a teacher for 37 years, I don't care what a student wears to class. It is irrelevant and I have no right to tell any student what is acceptable. Provocative attire can be a point of discussion if the student or class wants to discuss making a political statement.

Students don't get distracted by clothing, but they do lose respect for staff members who harass them over their appearance.

A school community should reflect the general society. When was the last time a person was told to take off a shirt or leave a store for wearing clothing offensive to the sales associates?